Waiting At The Bridge

I've been so lucky to have lived the majority of my life in the company of dogs and cats.  Sometimes I wonder if I deserve them.  They forgive me when I get tired and cross.  They still love me if I don't take them for their walks.  They have added a joy to my life that I would not have known otherwise.  The downside of this is making the decision to euthanize your dear friend and companion.  The decision itself is sometimes easy to make.  Ending suffering is a loving act.  But the loss is always hard to deal with.  I sometimes think it's more than I can bare.  I wanted to create this page as a tribute to the friends that are now waiting for me on the other side of the rainbow bridge. 

Jason

My sweet Jason was adopted in September of 2005 from the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of North Texas (MSRNT).  He was estimated to be about six years old at that time.  I can still remember the day the Rescue brought him to us.  He looked so confused but curious as well. My mom, our dog Angel and I were all crazy about him.  I think he liked us too.  Jason settled into life with us and grew to be my special companion.  

Jason was timid when outside our home.  But he was an outgoing, happy boy at home.  He had his special spot on the couch by the window where he performed his watchdog duties.  He had his rock near the crack in the fence that he would look out of to ensure no one was sneaking in from behind.  He never played with toys but loved to wrestle.  Jason was king of his castle.  We eventually added three more dogs to our household which Jason took in stride.  But I would sometimes catch a glance that asked why he now had to share me with so many others.

Jason developed liver disease.  We were able to keep it under control with meds and a special diet for quite some time.  But finally, on October 18, 2011, I had to say goodbye to my boy.  I still cry and my heart aches as I think about that day almost two years ago.  What a wonderful little guy my Jason was.  I'm so glad he found his way into our lives.  He will always be a part of us.

Katy

Today is the second anniversary of Katy's death.  I thought this would be a good time to write my tribute to her.

We adopted Katy from S.T.A.R.S of Lewisville, Texas in May of 2009.  Her name at that time was Disney.  She was a senior and probably 8 to 10 years of age.   I've never quite understood how she came to the rescue but I believe she was abandoned at her home.  S.T.A.R.S had only had her a few days when I snatched her up.  I thought this schnauzer girl would make a good pair with Jason.  At first they totally ignored each other but eventually became good friends.  Katy was a great addition to our family.

We had Katy for less than two years.  She succumbed to kidney disease on January 28, 2012 - just about 100 days after Jason died.  It makes me sad that I have so few memories of her.  I remember that her favorite napping spot was in the back of my closet.  And that she loved fruit.  I'll never forget her nibbling away on a watermelon rind.  She'd head for her closet if someone made a loud sneeze or cough - giving us insight into her past.  Katy wasn't a player but was loving.  She loved her bed shaped like a sports car.  She hated the dog next door and would raise quite a ruckus if both parties were outside at the same time.  Katy did love the dog park and would socialize with everyone. I found this odd since she was quite unsociable if we encountered another dog while on our walks.

I also remember that I loved my Katy.  I can still feel the weight of her in my arms when she took her last breath.  I'm grateful that I was able to give her a loving home in the last years of her life.  Godspeed, sweet girl.  Watch over Jason for me.

Peanut

Waylon

Willie

Buddy

Gretchen

Heidi

Sam

Herbie

Alvin